The trend estimate for sheep slaughterings declined for the sixth consecutive month to 954,200. This was the lowest figure recorded since January 2005.

The trend estimate for cattle slaughterings declined for the fifth consecutive month to 664,600.

The trend estimate for mutton production declined for sixth consecutive month, to 19,700 tonnes. This was the lowest figure recorded since December 2004.

The trend estimate for beef production decreased for the fifth consecutive month, to 178,000 tonnes.

MAY KEY FIGURES

Seasonally

Trend

LIVESTOCK SLAUGHTERED

Original

adjusted

estimate

'000

'000

'000

Cattle

747.3

642.6

664.6

Calves

81.5

80.4

83.8

Sheep

921.0

895.7

954.2

Lambs

1,778.3

1,637.4

1,683.1

Pigs

487.7

435.6

437.0

Seasonally

Trend

MEAT PRODUCED

Original

adjusted

estimate

tonnes

tonnes

tonnes

Beef

196,501

169,571

177,959

Veal

2,805

2,541

2,630

Mutton

18,061

18,535

19,662

Lamb

36,546

33,034

34,160

Pig meat

36,323

31,770

31,799

NOTES

INTRODUCTION

This publication presents statistics on livestock slaughterings and meat production. These statistics are based on a monthly collection from abattoirs and other major slaughtering establishments. More detailed information on this series can be obtained by contacting the ABS or by referring to the quarterly ABS publication Livestock Products, Australia (cat. no. 7215.0).

FORTHCOMING ISSUES

The June 2007 issue of this data is due for release on 1 August 2007.

For more information about these and related statistics, contact Daniel Lester on Hobart (03) 6222 5943, or the National Information and Referral Service on 1300 135 070.

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